SPLENDOR IN THE BRASS: CLARK TERRY, DOC CHEATHAM, HARRY “SWEETS” EDISON, SNOOKY YOUNG, JOE WILDER, HANK JONES, JESPER LUNDGAARD, CLARENCE PENN (Bern Jazz Festival, May 1, 1997)

I think that only someone who has tried to play a brass instrument can fully appreciate the mastery of these majestic artists. I watch and listen to this concert with awe.

Bern Jazz Festival, May 1, 1997: Clark Terry introduces Doc Cheatham, then 91 (with the Hank Jones Trio, Jesper Lundgaard, string bass; Clarence Penn, drums): SUNDAY / DROP ME OFF IN HARLEM (vocal) / IF I COULD BE WITH YOU // Snooky Young, Joe Wilder, Sweets Edison, Clark Terry: MACK THE KNIFE / Sweets, Clark: JIVE AT FIVE // Snooky, Wilder: JUST SQUEEZE ME // Clark, Snooky, Sweets, Wilder: MOTEN SWING // Sweets: I WISH I KNEW // Clark, Sweets, Snooky, Wilder: OW! // JUMPIN’ AT THE WOODSIDE (as OW!) // Encore: TAKE THE “A” TRAIN (as OW!) //

How very moving. I am happy to write that the Youngbloods, Jesper Lundgaard and Clarence Penn, are still thriving. The other Majesties have moved to neighborhoods beyond the reach of our outstretched arms. But as long as recordings and videos exist, they are never beyond our embrace.

May your happiness increase!